Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has backed Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as someone who could help transform Nigerian football if he chooses to become involved in the administration of the sport.
Martins made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel and Chris Chardy, while discussing the crisis surrounding the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the need for changes in football administration.
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward said Nigerian football had struggled with administrative problems since his playing days and argued that the country needed younger people who understand both the game and the system.
“We just need someone that can help,” Martins said, referring to the need for younger leadership in football administration. He subsequently identified Seyi Tinubu as someone he believed could contribute to changing the situation.
Martins described Seyi Tinubu as young and said he believed the President’s son understood what Nigerians wanted.
“He’s young and he understands what Nigerian people want. I think he can change that,” Martins said.
When asked whether he was referring to President Tinubu’s son, Martins confirmed that he was and added that Seyi Tinubu was already making efforts despite not holding the presidency of the football federation.
Martins’ comments come amid a major shake-up in Nigerian football administration.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive committee resigned last week following mounting criticism of the state of Nigerian football.
The leadership crisis followed a series of setbacks involving Nigeria’s national teams, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently ordered a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, with the aim of addressing repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global competitions.
The developments have intensified discussions over who should lead the NFF and how Nigerian football can improve its administration, development programmes and international competitiveness.
Despite Martins’ endorsement, there is currently no public indication that Seyi Tinubu has declared an intention to contest for the NFF presidency.
Reports on Martins’ comments note that the President’s son has not publicly announced any bid for a position within the federation.
The NFF’s next elective congress is scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, where the federation’s leadership structure is expected to come under further scrutiny.
Martins’ intervention adds a new dimension to the debate over the future direction of Nigerian football, particularly the growing calls for younger leadership and administrative reforms.
His comments, however, represent his personal view and do not amount to an announcement of a political or football administration ambition by Seyi Tinubu.
As stakeholders prepare for the next phase of the NFF’s leadership, attention is likely to remain focused on whether the proposed reforms can restore confidence in Nigerian football and produce stronger performances by the country’s national teams.
